Characterisation of copper slag in view of metal recovery. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, X.; Geysen, D.; Padilla Tinoco, S. V.; D'Hoker, N.; Van Gerven, T.; Blanpain, B.
• Is Part Of: Transactions. Volume 124:Number 2(2015)
• Page Start: 83
• Page End: 87
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Copper slag, -- Characterisation, -- QEMSCAN, -- Copper sulphides, -- Particle size distribution, -- CT; Ore-dressing -- Periodicals; Metallurgy -- Periodicals; Mineral industries -- Periodicals; 622.7
• DOI: 10.1179/1743285515Y.0000000004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0371-9553

Abstract

Abstract : In this study, the copper bearing particle of a fayalitic copper slag was assessed using quantitative evaluation of minerals by scanning electron microscopy (QEMSCAN) and X-ray computed tomography (CT). The copper content of the slag was ∼0·87 wt-%. Copper in this slag was present as sulphidic droplets. The content and particle size distribution of the major sulphide phases (bornite, chalcopyrite and chalcocite/digenite) were quantified using QEMSCAN. The copper bearing particles had a wide particle size distribution from a few micrometres up to millimetre level. Large copper bearing particles (>100 μm) were composed mainly of bornite and chalcocite/digenite and tended to accumulate in the lower part of the slag layer. As characterised with CT, ∼70% of the copper value was present in these large copper bearing particles.